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My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Valenia Posted:

My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Wow, I can not believe that it is my turn to post about my wedding! To be honest, I still can't believe its already happened, it feels like a dream somewhere in my memory! (And yes, it was everything I dreamed of!)

I've seen these posts written in a number of ways, ranging from a heartfelt replay of the day to an objective vendor review. I think I'm going to go the more objective route on this one, since I think that will be more helpful to all of you. I just wanted to preface by saying that -- so that the fact I am being critical does not make you believe that I wasn't truly ecstatic about my day! I just want to share some info that may be helpful, and that means sharing the minor nuisances...

I'll go in order of the day to start...

Calligraphy for Invites and Place Cards -- Inkspun (http://www.inkspun.com) did a great job fast for very little money. I would definately recommend them if you don't have your heart set on hand-done calligraphy.

Rehearsal Dinner -- Ecco on Jericho Turnpike in Garden City. Fantastic! They were on the pricey side, but well worth it. This is a fancy northern italian restaurant with a private room. I believe the minimum was 40 people (we had about 45 I believe) and the maximum is about 60. (I wouldn't go much over 50 though for the space). Excellent food, great atmosphere, and impeccable service.

Make Up -- Laurie Ann made me feel absolutely amazing. I don't normally wear a lot of makeup, so I was nervous. The makeup looked very natural, stayed on well, and looks fabulous in the pictures I've seen so far.

Hair -- Melissa is an absolute artist. I think I was on the more conservative side of her usual clients, the photos in her portfolio included amazing braids and really original styles if you are a bit more trendy then me! I wanted something timeless and a bit more traditional. I brought a few pictures to my trial, and then we played a bit on our own. I loved how it came out!!

Dress -- Priscilla of Boston. I am so sad I can't wear this dress again. Maybe we should have a LIWeddings party where all the newlyweds get to wear their dresses! I loved my dress, and Priscilla's treated me well -- will one major OOPs -- they left the pins in and didn't sew one layer of the underskirt. I didn't notice this until the morning of.

Photographer -- Creative Compositions. We used Steve as the primary formal photographer and Ruth for black and white candids. I haven't seen my proofs yet, so I'll be able to say more later! I can tell you that they were very professional, and efficient about putting together all of the groups of people. They had us laughing the entire time we took pictures, it was great fun!

Limo -- Ultimate Class. Timely, polite, and the car was in great shape. I would definately recommend them.

Flowers -- In Full Bloom. Marie did an excellent job. I will post pictures taken by my guests below. The chuppah, bouquets, and centerpieces were beautiful and I received many compliments.

Location -- Carlyle on the Green. I know the other Carlyle brides will have many questions, so I should really start another post on this. The summary, everything was amazing. Barbara who was my bridal assistant was an absolute angel, I don't know how I would have made it through the day without her. We have received compliments galore about the Carlyle. My only gripe -- the maitre d kept calling my by my maid of honor's name during the rehearsal. Oops.

Videographer -- Skylight Productions. This is another one that I'll have to wait to give a full review.

Band -- Central Park from Steven Scott Orchestras. They were very, very good when singing. I have just two complaints to make, they stopped playing for a short bit while people were eating when there was supposed to be no stops. Second, they called my brother instead of my husband for the parent dance. (Thats a big oops!)

Honeymoon -- Hawaii. Absolutely amazing. This could also be its own thread without question! We stayed at the Halekulani on Oahu, the Hyatt on Kauai, and the Four Seasons on Maui.

Well thats a good start... Pictures will follow...

jennbaby Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

congratulations!!!!!!! glad all went well! post pics!!!!

Valenia Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Here is a photo of the chuppah...

Valenia Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Our flowers were half high centerpieces (as shown) and half low. This was at the end of the day, so you can see how well they held up...

angie3 Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

I'm glad to hear your day was so beautilful! Congratulations! Can i ask you a honeymoon question? My FI and I will be staying next door to the Four Seasons in Maui at the Grand Wailea. Can you tell me if the beach is pretty and kinda calm so that you can do a little snorkeling right there? Again, congratulations!

Valenia Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Here is one the bridesmaid's bouquets (they were each slightly different)...

angie3 Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Your flowers are beautiful!!!

jenny11.9 Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Valenia, everything looks and sounds like it was so beautiful. I am thrilled that it all worked out for you. Congratulations a million times over - and all the happiness in your lives together.

Cira Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Congratulations Valenia - your day sounds blissful! Join us over at the newlyweds board!
Valenia Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Hiya angie!!! The beach shared by the Four Seasons/Grand Wailea is beautiful (although not that large), I didn't swim in it, but I saw many people (including small children) in the water, so if you are a good swimmer it should be fine. There were lots of people snorkeling off the beach as well, so you certainly can. The one thing I am not sure of is the seasonal difference. The water around Hawaii is relatively calm in the summer, but the waves get much, much bigger in the winter from what I've heard.

And here is my bouquet....
angie3 Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Thanks for the info... your bouquet is beautiful too!

Valenia Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Hair and makeup is something that is also better shown, then spoken about, so here goes... (I also think this picture is adorable.)

FYI-- All photos shown were taken by guests, these are not the professional photos yet -- I don't have those!
NIHA Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Woohooo!!! Contrats, everything sounds beautiful!

jennbaby Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Valenia---You looked like a princess!!
everything was so gorgeous!!!!!!!!!
stacedz Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Valenia, LOVE that pic of your husband kissing your forehead, tooo cute! Congrats on what looked like a beautiful day!

JennK Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Valenia, everything that Ive seen in those pictures looks lovely. Do you have any of the front of your dress? The back looked so pretty, I wondered what the front looked like.
All the best to you and your new husband!!
vamdep Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

What a great picture of you and your HUSBAND!!! Hooray - you're married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen62794 Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Congrats. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful. Best wishes to you!

Valenia Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Thanks to all of you for giving me the chance to share my happiness, and for your many kind compliments.

JennK - Ask and ye shall receive - I was lucky that my uncle and a few guests had great digital cameras there, so I have lots and lots of pictures! hehehe. So, here's the front of the dress as requested!
chmlengr Posted:

Re: My June 30 Wedding at the Carlyle!!!

Congrats to you and your new husband. You looked stunning. We can't wait to see pictures from your photographer!! Best wishes in married life!!

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